Today most fabrics are made with a stain guard that resists liquids so when I am ironing a newer fabric I spray it lightly and allow the water mist to absorb into the fabric before ironing. If the water won’t absorb I turn the clothing article inside out and mist again. Often times the stain guard is only applied to the top of the fabric. Whether ironing the right or wrong side of fabric, always test in an inconspicuous location (try the hem line) or use a cover cloth to ensure the fabric can withstand the heat.
I love to use spray starch on cotton shirts and blouses to give a little extra structure. To avoid white flakes from the starch simply spray on fabric and allow the spray starch to absorb before setting with a hot iron. On dark articles of clothing (such as black dress pants) I turn the article inside out and spray with starch. When doing this on pants that need a center crease simply iron the pants completely from the inside flat with no crease, turn right sides out, fold crease into leg and iron set the crease. I recommend not layering one creased pant leg on top of the other when ironing but rather splitting the legs to crease one at a time.
To avoid unwanted bumps and creases never use wire hanger and always hang pants and skirts on hangers with waist clamps.
Do you have a favorite t-shirt with decal that you would like to freshly iron for crispness? Completely iron the t–shirt body inside out; this allows you to iron over the back of the decal without ruining it or your iron. Once you have finished ironing the t-shirt and it has cooled, turn it right side out and iron the sleeves. Personal preference determines whether or not to crease the sleeve from the shoulder.
Delicate fabrics need ironing? Hang the item up high (maybe on a door jam) so you can easily see entire piece. Using the steam option on your iron, hold the iron 10 inches from clothing and press steam button while moving the iron up and down. Caution: 1- Test clothing first in an inconspicuous area such as the hem line to ensure the material can withstand the steam heat, 2- Be careful not to burn your arm from the steam.
Having guests spend the night? Iron the top hem and pillow cases for a crisp, fresh appearance.
Traveling and no iron available? I have two solutions that I have used. One idea is to lift one side of your bed mattress and lay your clothing item crease-free on the box spring. Gently lower the mattress, (you may need help from your room buddy); in the morning lift the mattress and your item should have less wrinkles. Another idea is to pack a curling iron and use the heated iron to run over your clothing; again test an area to make sure the heat will not hurt the fabric.
